EPL - Arsenal's Problems Mounting

EPL - Arsenal's Problems Mounting

Arsenal is on the verge of a typical early season crisis after being thumped 4-0 by a rampant Liverpool at Anfield yesterday. Goals from Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Saleh and Daniel Sturridge condemned the Gunners to a second straight defeat away from home, to leave them sitting 16th after 3 rounds heading into the international break. Liverpool, it must be said, were sensational and are certainly looking a juggernaut at least going forward this season. However, their opponents provided little resistance in what was their first big test of a new season. 
 
Yesterday's listless loss at Anfield wasn't an entirely unusual occurrence for the Gunners. Getting handed a thorough thrashing at the hands of one of their big rivals, away from home, has happened at Chelsea, United, Spurs and City all too regularly over the past 5 years. Once again, Arsene Wenger set his side up yesterday with little thought of nullifying his opposition. A midfield pairing of Xhaka and Ramsey proved Wenger will remain as stubborn as ever, as Arsenal became an easy opponent for Liverpool. Once again, when they lost possession, Arsenal found themselves with far too many bodies in front of the ball and far too easy to cut. The big Managers who have won Premier Leagues over the past decade have always adapted their tactics, to a certain degree, to nullify the threat of a dangerous opponent. With Arsenal, you get the feeling they are going out to play their own game, and lack a layered game plan that can frustrate an opponent. 
 
The worry for Arsenal fans, for me, is not the fact that this season could be the same as many in the past 10 years, but it could be significantly worse. The defence looks a shambles having conceded 8 goals in 3 games and, instead of dipping into the transfer window, Wenger looks ready to sell a defender. Arsenal’s two most expensive players in Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez look like they would rather be anywhere else at the moment. Ozil has been heavily criticised for his displays so far this season, with his lack of work rate defensively causing plenty of headaches. Sanchez’s body language was anything but positive yesterday, throwing his hands in the air and putting his head in his hands when substituted. With both out of contract at the end of the year, and a host of other regular first team players, it looks, to me, like the perfect storm at Arsenal this season for the side to implode. 
 
The Arsenal board needed to make a strong statement at the end of last season and that was to end Arsene Wenger's reign, despite winning the FA Cup. Things have been too comfortable at Arsenal for too long, which leads to a lack of accountability from the players. Arsene Wenger has been too loyal to certain players, and his reluctance to buy has led a squad of players that don't fear being dropped or fear the Manager’s wrath, like a Mourinho or Conte. The whole place needed a makeover, however a board lacking in football knowledge seem intent on keeping the status quo. With the soulless and far reaching Europa League on their plate, and a host of players off contract, it might not just be the same old Arsenal - it could be one that suffers a big fall from grace outside the Top 6 this season.